Beta-cells release extracellular vesicles (EV) and exosomes under normal and pathophysiologic conditions. These EV contain beta-cell specific autoantigens which may trigger the immune response at the initiation of type 1 diabetes. In this study, beta-cell derived EV will be detected and characterized in human blood samples.
Adult subjects will be recruited with: new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as islet transplant candidates. Blood samples will be collected at defined intervals to determine beta-cell specific EV and determine the utility of this biomarker as a measure of beta-cell stress or injury.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
McGill University Health Center
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
RECRUITINGDetermine the levels of circulating EVs
Based on well-known EV markers, subject plasma samples will be characterized to determine whether these EVs are detectable using small particle flow cytometry.
Time frame: 2 years
Determine whether these EVs contain islet-specific antigens
EVs will be further characterized using small particle flow cytometry for known islet-specific antigens such as GAD65 and ZnT8
Time frame: 2 years
Mutivariate analysis will be performed with patient parameters and EV parameters
Correlate levels of EVs containing islet specific markers to patient parameters like age, duration of established diabetes, levels of autoantibodies,
Time frame: 3 years
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